Radio Hits in December 1967

Radio Hits in December 1967

Some of the events that were happening as 1967 was coming to a close… Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first human-to-human heart transplant. Allen Ginsberg and Dr. Benjamin Spock were among those arrested at a Vietnam War protest in New York City.

In the coming days, the Green Bay Packers would win the NFL Championship against the Dallas Cowboys in the famous “Ice Bowl” game.

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And the weekly survey on Miami’s Top 40 WQAM was loaded with songs that would remain favorites decades later.

Smokey Robinson & the Miracles – I Second That Emotion

Also taking a big leap was Smokey Robinson & the Miracles‘ “I Second That Emotion,” from #36 to #25. It, too, would become a #1 R&B hit; #4 pop.

John Fred & His Playboy Band – Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)

Making the biggest jump was John Fred & His Playboy Band with “Judy in Disguise (With Glasses).” (The song’s title was a parody of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.”) This week, the amazing single went from #48 to #16 and would ultimately reach #1 and was the group’s lone hit.

The Bee Gees – Massachusetts

Entering the Top 10 was The Bee Gees‘ fourth worldwide hit of 1967, “Massachusetts.” (The other three: “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody” and Holiday.”)

Johnny Rivers – Summer Rain

Despite Johnny Rivers‘ beautiful vocal on “Summer Rain,” the song—at #9 this week on WQAM—would stall at just #14 nationally. Not sure why it was released in November…

Gladys Knight & the Pips – I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Gladys Knight & the Pips‘ amazing “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” jumped from #33 to #7 (on its way to #1 R&B and #1 pop).

Stone Poneys – Different Drum

Mike Nesmith’s “Different Drum” was at #5 for the Stone Poneys (featuring Linda Ronstadt on lead vocals). The song stalled nationally at #13.

The Monkees – Daydream Believer

At #3, The Monkees earned their third (and final) #1 single with “Daydream Believer,” with Davy Jones on lead vocals.

The Beatles – Hello, Goodbye / I Am the Walrus

And at #1? The Beatles‘ two-sided hits “Hello, Goodbye” and “I Am the Walrus,” in a long string of chart-toppers for the Fab Four.

Chart courtesy of WQAM Radio Tribute Site